Now is spring, the season when all things grow.
Greenwild Kingdom is located in a vast and prosperous natural forest, with insects and birds chirping, the newly picked leaves on the treetops glowing light green in the sun, the flowers in the forest blooming one after another, and the air is filled with vitality.
Even in the quietest corner, you can hear the sound of streams flowing and the chirping of young birds.
Meanwhile, Dream Oak Crown.
The branches and leaves rustled in the spring breeze, and the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow on the scales of the dragons.
A dozen Greenwild Dragon are either entangled on thick branches or lying lazily on a platform woven with vines. They have different postures, but they all look weird or amazed from time to time, and their eyes are all looking in the same direction.
Canopy center.
There is the queen's lair, covered by countless layers of vines and airtight.
"His Majesty Seroel and Red Emperor of Aura have not shown their faces for more than a month."
Black Dragon teased the bark of the tree with his paws and said in a low voice.
His name is Gregon, and he is one of the guards Greenwild Kingdom is responsible for guarding the perimeter of the lair. His usual most inconspicuous duty has now made him a source of information.
"More than a month?"
Green Dragon, the one next to him, widened his eyes and raised his voice a few degrees unconsciously, then quickly lowered it.
"It's been more than a month? Are you sure? Could it be that you remembered the wrong date, or that His Majesty actually came out in the middle and you didn't notice?"
"I count them every day."
Black Dragon definitely said that he was a little unhappy with this question.
"Your Majesty went in at the beginning of last month, and it has been thirty-nine days today. I saw it with my own eyes, and every day he carved a line on the bark of the tree. There is no more, no less, and it will definitely be correct."
"Thirty-nine days----"
The other older male dragon pondered.
"I remember that Your Majesty has never stayed in the lair for such a long time before. Even if he handled the most difficult government affairs alone, he would only come out in a dozen days at most."
"Can that be the same?"
The younger Green Dragon was a little excited and interjected. "It used to be about handling affairs, but now it's----"
He didn't finish his words, but all the dragons understood what he meant.
Several giant dragons exchanged glances, and a subtle atmosphere filled the air.
They wanted to discuss this topic, but felt it was inappropriate to discuss it.
After all, she is Her Majesty the Queen, and not just any dragon on the roadside can be used as a talking point. Moreover, they know Her Majesty's temper well. If she knows that there is a dragon talking about her private life behind her back, the consequences may not be good.
However, curiosity eventually outweighed everything.
"To be honest, I still can't believe it."
Black Dragon Gregon shook his head and said, "It's not like you don't know His Majesty's temper. How many males have come to seek mates over the years? Not to mention the ones from far away, just around us Greenwild, among those who think they have some ability, who hasn't tried it?"
"His Majesty didn't even meet them. He said Greenwild Kingdom didn't need a marriage and told them to go back wherever they came from."
Green Dragon took the words and said, "I still remember that about a hundred years ago, there was even a Silver Dragon from the Dragon Realm. He was really good-looking and had decent strength. He put on a graceful look in front of His Majesty and said that he had long admired the name of the Dragon Queen and came here to visit."
Several young dragons came over.
"Then what?"
they asked curiously.
Green Dragon bared his teeth and said, "Your Majesty didn't even let him enter the royal city, and didn't even meet him. He just sent him away."
Several giant dragons let out a deep laugh.
"That's why I find it incredible."
Black Dragon continued, "Your Majesty has been a loner for these years, and she doesn't show any pretense to anyone. She doesn't like anyone. I thought she hates males and has never considered courting, but suddenly -"
"Suddenly I was with Red Emperor of Aura."
Green Dragon said mysteriously, "And have you noticed that His Majesty's attitude towards that Red Emperor is completely different from that towards other males."
"Of course it's different."
One Blue Dragon was thoughtful and interjected slowly.
"That's the red emperor of Red Emperor Pale Star, Atlant."
"Think about it, how many rumors have there been about him over the years? We in Orotara, across the vast sea, can constantly hear about him. It's not something ordinary dragons can do to pick out just one thing."
"That's true."
Black Dragon nodded and his expression became serious.
"It is said that he is close to or even comparable to Gold Dragon King. Even Destiny Rank has to kneel down and surrender in front of him."
"There are not many such existences in the entire Orotara."
"So, it is not unreasonable for His Majesty to be attracted to him."
Green Dragon next to him nodded and said, "Your Majesty has always had high standards. She looks down on those ordinary male dragons because they are really not worthy of her, but Red Emperor is different. He is young, powerful, and prestigious, and -"
When she said this, she grinned.
"And from the appearance point of view, this Red Emperor Pale Star is so outstanding."
"When you saw him that day, weren't you shocked? His size, his aura, the texture of his dragon scales----
To be honest, this is the first time I have seen such a majestic dragon."
The surrounding dragons were silent for a few seconds, recalling the scene when they saw Red Iron Dragon.
"Indeed."
Black Dragon nodded in agreement and exclaimed in admiration, "As a male, when I saw Red Emperor for the first time, I couldn't help but feel shocked. I even wanted to touch his body and feel the strength of his muscles and the hardness of his scales."
As he spoke, Black Dragon looked down at himself.
The dragon bones are rugged, and the scales almost stick to the bones. Compared with Red Emperor, although they are both dragons, they look like two different species.
"I heard that Dragons of Aura is very strong."
"With Red Emperor's relationship with our queen - I hope he can share the secret of the Aura Kingdom. I also want to become stronger. If I can learn the method from Aura, I can at least make my scales thicker."
he said.
Greenwild Dragon people all showed longing for it.
Most dragons admire strong bodies.
This is the nature engraved in the bones. No matter Chromatic Dragon or Metal Dragon, no matter which continent Dragonkin lives in, the worship of power is the same.
For example, in Chromatic Dragon, regardless of his rough and brutal image, Red Dragon's appearance is always recognized as number one.
Even Metal Dragon who is hostile to it, or other Dragonkin, there are many who envy the red dragon's strong body.
The thick breastplate, thick neck, and powerful tail... are all external manifestations of strength, and in Dragon Race, strength itself is beauty.
"Who do you think took the initiative between Red Emperor and our queen?"
Young Green Dragon suddenly spoke and said with great interest.
This question aroused the interest of all the surrounding dragons.
"It must be Red Emperor first."
Black Dragon said without hesitation, "He is so powerful and prestigious. If he seriously pursues a female, I don't think many can refuse. And if you think about it, he came from Atlant to our Greenwild Kingdom, traveled across the ocean, and flew such a long way. What is this other than pursuit?"
"Orotara is in such chaos, who would want to get close to it?"
"That makes sense."
Several giant dragons echoed.
"It's not that Her Majesty didn't want to find a mate before, she just didn't like other males."
Green Dragon said, "Those who are not strong enough, not ambitious enough, not courageous enough----our queen must have very high vision. But like Red Emperor----"
"The male among males, the dragon among dragons."
"He already has the advantage when it comes to courting. As long as he takes it seriously, launches a passionate pursuit, gives a few gold mountains or Legendary Realm treasures, and coupled with a magnificent body - it is normal for Her Majesty the Queen to agree."
"It would be hard for anyone to say no, right?"
The dragons nodded one after another, feeling that this analysis made sense.
In the society of Dragonkin, gender has nothing to do with status.
It's very common for female dragons to become dominant.
However, when courting, like many other races, it is usually the male who pursues the female.
Red Emperor and Green Queen, one is the emperor who established the kingdom, and the other is the ruler of Greenwild.
They are well matched and equally powerful.
Red Emperor takes the initiative to pursue, and the queen agrees. This is the most reasonable script.
At this moment, a sound of flapping wings came from above.
The dragons looked up at the same time and saw a slender figure gliding down from the branches and leaves of Dream Oak.
It was a female Green Dragon, which was much larger than most of the giant dragons present.
Her scales show a deep emerald green, her wingspan is wide, her flying posture is elegant and calm, and she has a silver vine necklace wrapped around her neck.
She circled around and then landed steadily on a branch near the dragons.
"Amelia Your Highness."
Several giant dragons lowered their heads at the same time, their voices respectful.
Amelia, the queen's confidant, is also one of the queen's nominal sisters.
She is not a real blood relative of Seroel, but she has followed the queen for a long time.
When they met, they were both still young, struggling to survive in the wild areas of Orotara, going through life and death together, and in the midst of dangers and challenges, they established a deep relationship that far exceeded that of normal blood relatives.
In the Greenwild Kingdom, her status is second only to the queen.
To a certain extent, she is equivalent to Iron Prince in Aura. What she says in the Greenwild Kingdom is an extension of the queen's will.
Amelia's eyes swept across the dragons present.
She asked slowly, "What are you discussing here? It seems quite lively."
The giant dragons looked at each other, and for a moment no one dared to speak.
Black Dragon hesitated for a moment, then said bravely, "We are - uh, we are discussing the matter between His Majesty and Aura Red Emperor, just - casually chatting, for example, who started courting first, how they met, and so on."
"Oh?"
Amelia folded his wings, narrowed his eyes teasingly, and raised the corners of his mouth in a slight arc.
"You bunch of idle dragons, instead of doing your own thing, are very enthusiastic about discussing His Majesty's private life."
"Gregon, aren't you supposed to be on duty in the east passage? Why did you come here? And you, you said yesterday that you were going to patrol the northern woodland. Are you done?"
The giant dragons immediately fell silent, shrank their necks one by one, and did not dare to answer.
However, just when the dragons thought they were going to be scolded, Amelia suddenly changed the subject.
"First of all, what was the result of the discussion?"
she asked, tilting her head slightly as if listening.
Several giant dragons were stunned for a moment and looked at each other.
Black Dragon said tentatively, "We think it should be Red Emperor who is courting Her Majesty the Queen. He is so powerful and came here from Atlant, so he must be the one who actively pursues her."
Hearing this, Green Dragon Amelia was slightly startled at first, and then the corners of his mouth raised slightly, as if he was holding back a smile.
"So you all think that Red Emperor is pursuing His Majesty?"
"Isn't it?"
Green Dragon tilted his head, with a look of confusion on his face, "Your Highness, your expression——did we guess wrong?"
"Do you know something inside?"
Black Dragon caught the change in Amelia's expression, and his tone immediately became eager, "You are His Majesty's most trusted dragon. You must know how they met, right?"
As soon as this request came out, all the dragons' eyes were focused on Amelia.
Amelia blinked, looked around, and then lowered his voice and said, "I do know some inside information."
"Really? Tell me quickly!"
The dragons couldn't wait to ask.
"Your Highness, just tell us! How did the queen and the emperor get acquainted? How did they suddenly become so good together after being separated by two continents? What courtship method did Red Emperor use? Did he give him a particularly expensive gift?"
"Yes, yes, what exactly did Red Emperor do??"
Amelia's dragon head leaned forward slightly and shook its head slowly.
"You guys are all thinking wrongly."
"Actually, it is our Queen who is courting Red Emperor."
Her words startled the dragon.
"What?!"
Black Dragon almost slipped off the branch, his eyes were wide open, his mouth was open and he didn't close it for a long time, "Are you telling the truth? Is His Majesty courting Red Emperor?"
"This... is impossible."
The other dragons also looked suspicious.
In their impression, Greenwild Queen always has a cold and indifferent attitude.
She has the highest crown in the tree, and when she overlooks all the visitors, there is never any warmth in her eyes. Ordinary male dragons don't even have the courage to look at her, let alone get close.
How could such a queen take the initiative to court other dragons?
"I knew you wouldn't believe it easily."
Amelia rolled up a strand of vines with his claws and played with it, and said, "Do you still remember when we raided Rage Beast Territory to grab the meteorite fragments? At that time, you were all still wondering why the Queen suddenly became interested in meteorites, and sent so many elites out, taking such a big risk."
"Now I can tell you that those meteorite fragments are gifts prepared for Red Emperor."
The dragons' eyes opened wider and wider.
"As early as decades ago, our queen fell in love with Red Emperor."
Amelia continued, "It's just that Red Emperor of Aura is not very interested in the queen and is even a little resistant."
"What happened next?"
"Later? Later, our queen was not the kind to give up easily. She never failed in anything she wanted to do."
"You know Your Majesty, whatever she decides on, she must do it."
"Your Majesty has collected many love stories, such as Elf's epics, human Legendary Realm, and even Dwarf's folk songs. She has read them all. She immersed herself in learning the courtship skills in them, studying how to impress the other party in those stories, and then used them on Red Emperor."
Amelia couldn't help but smile when he said this.
"Tsk tsk tsk, no matter how indifferent Red Emperor is, her "heart" was finally captured by our queen."
Hearing this inside story, the dragons opened their jaws wide, eyes widened, and were completely stunned.
After coming back to their senses, they wanted to ask for more details.
The dragons are not originally good-natured and tend to look down upon such things, but now that it involves the privacy of the Queen and Aura Red Emperor, they really can't bear to miss it.
At this moment, a male red dragon that had been silent for a long time spoke.
His name is Helem, and he is one of the few red dragons in the Greenwild Kingdom. He usually talks very little.
"Remember Halduen?"
As soon as the words came out, the surrounding atmosphere condensed slightly.
This name is not one that will be mentioned easily in the Greenwild Kingdom, but no one has really forgotten him.
Amelia narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Well, if he knows about this, he will most likely be jealous."
Halduen, Fire Giant.
He is not a native of Orotara.
Hundreds of years ago, Orc Empire Cantum swept away Theresia Continent with an unstoppable attitude.
It was a war that swept through Theresia. The Orc legion surged through every inch of the land like a tide, crushing all races in front of it.
Before that, the Giants mainly lived in Theresia, and were the strongest race besides Orc.
They have magnificent cities, long heritage, and tyrannical force.
Giant Royal Court once ruled a large area of Theresia's land, built on the highest mountain, overlooking the mainland, but in the face of the Orc Empire's offensive, everything collapsed.
Giant's city was burned down and his people were massacred.
Then, the Giants mainly fled to other continents, scattered in every corner, and lingering.
Halduen is one of the remnants of Giant who came to Orotara.
However, unlike those compatriots who were helpless in the disaster, the story of Halduen is almost the same as that of the Legendary Realm.
When Theresia fell, he was just a young Giant, not strong enough and far from reaching his peak.
When the Orc army swept through his hometown, he witnessed the death of his tribe and the fall of the kingdom.
Most Giant either died or were completely defeated in the disaster.
However, Halduen chose another path.
In a desperate situation, fight your way out of the siege.
It is said that when he was not Legendary Realm, he once jumped into a fierce battle with the Legendary Realm Orc in order to break through Orc's blockade.
That was an unfair duel.
There is an unbridgeable gap between ordinary things and Legendary Realm.
No one knows how he did it. They only know that after the battle, Legendary Realm Orc's head was hung on the cliff, and Halduen was covered in blood, but he finally won.
Then, he traveled alone through the northern part of Theresia controlled by Orc.
It was an area heavily fortified by the Orc Legion, with patrols and outposts everywhere.
Orc sent a special team to hunt him down, but he was killed every time.
During his escape, more and more Giant gathered around him. Later, they crossed the sea and came to Orotara.
The dangers he encountered while fleeing shaped his strength and decisiveness.
After Orotara gained a foothold, Halduen started its own battle.
At that time, the Giant remnant people were torn apart.
Some have taken refuge in Elf and are living under the protection of Nausir; some have become bandits in the mountains and forests, making a living by robbing passing caravans; and some have simply given up on themselves, waiting to be devoured by Fury Curse.
Halduen looked for them one by one.
Those who don't agree will be killed, and those who do will be harvested.
Just put those Giant scattered everywhere back together again.
During this period, Halduen's level continued to grow, and is now Crown Rank Giant. His most famous victory occurred decades ago, when he was on a par with Destiny Rank Orc.
It was a battle that lasted three days and three nights.
Both sides fought from the plains to the mountains, and from the mountains to the valleys. In the end, both sides were injured and each retreated.
This made him famous.
The exiled Giants began to regard him as their hope and the banner of reviving Giant Royal Court.
They gathered under him from all directions, and Giant, who had been struggling in different areas, began to move closer to Halduen.
At the same time, he also attracted the attention of the Nausir Empire.
Elf people see his value. An ally who can unify the remnant people of Giant and has the ability to fight against Orc is an important chess piece in the Orotara pattern.
They began to support him, giving him weapons, food, and territory.
Elf Council of Nausir passed a resolution officially recognizing Halduen as the legal heir of Giant Royal Court.
Now he has become the pinnacle of Crown Rank, only one step away from Destiny Rank. He rebuilt Giant Royal Court in Orotara, and is an alliance with Nausir.
All existing Giant call him Giant King, and he deserves it.
However, there was another thing that impressed the dragons deeply about Halduen.
"Speaking of -"
Green Dragon hesitated for a moment and asked, "This Giant King seems to have giant Dragon Blood veins? Is it true or false? I have heard of this rumor, but I never know whether it is true or not. Giant and dragons - the relationship between our two races is not good."
Black Dragon nodded.
"The version I heard is this. His father was a Fire Giant lord. He was considered a strong person in Theresia back then, and he had considerable power in Giant Royal Court.
"As for his mother——"
"His mother is a red dragon. It is said that she was imprisoned by Lord Fire Giant----."
"However, I don't know whether this rumor is true or false."
Amelia flicked his tail and said slowly, "It is most likely true. I have collected the detailed information of Giant King,"
"His Giant father imprisoned a female red dragon deep in the magma, passed chains through her wings, and burned her scales with flames until she yielded and gave birth to his offspring."
"Halduen is one of those descendants."
"He has not been recognized since he was born. Giant thinks he has dragon blood flowing in his body, saying that he is not a purebred Giant and is not worthy of standing in Giant's team. Dragonkin will not recognize him and regards him as a shame. He feels that his existence is a stain on Dragon Race's bloodline."
"But who would have thought that such a spurned bastard could become Giant King today?"
"Furthermore, because he has some giant Dragon Blood veins, he has also acquired the aesthetics of a giant dragon and can appreciate the power and beauty of Dragonkin."
"That's right."
Black Dragon nodded and said, "Ever since Halduen met Her Majesty the Queen for the first time at a banquet organized by Nausir, he - how should I put it, in his own words, fell in love at first sight."
"Love at first sight?"
Amelia bared his fangs and said sarcastically, "He is really good at using words. I think he just covets us Greenwild Kingdom."
Blue Dragon said, "No matter what he is interested in, he is really persistent."
"How many times has he made betrothal gifts to the Greenwild Kingdom over the years? At least seven or eight times. Each betrothal gift is more valuable than the last one. He seems to think that as long as the price he pays is high enough, His Majesty will agree sooner or later."
Amelia nodded slightly.
"Our queen's attitude has always been very clear. She rejected it directly every time without leaving any room."
"But Halduen doesn't seem to understand rejection at all."
"He seems to feel that with his power and status, the Queen will look at him with admiration sooner or later. This is quite in line with Giant's way of thinking."
"But he forgot one thing."
"Our queen is not a commodity. She will not follow anyone just because the price is higher. Even if she becomes Immortal Realm, she will not be favored by the queen."
Black Dragon's eyes flickered, and he suddenly said, "Have you ever noticed that since Halduen began to pursue His Majesty, His Majesty's other suitors seem to have decreased? I remember that there used to be male dragons who came to the Greenwild Kingdom to try their luck from time to time, but in recent decades, there are almost none."
"It's not that it's reduced, it's almost gone."
Blue Dragon corrected. "Halduen killed at least three dragons who wanted to pursue Her Majesty the Queen. One of them was Metal Dragon. In anger, Dragon Realm almost went to war with Giant Royal Court, but in the end due to various reasons, the matter was settled."
Amelia's dragon eyes narrowed slightly, "Halduen has publicly said that the Dragon Queen belongs to him, and anyone who dares to covet her is an enemy of him and Giant Royal Court."
"His tone was as if His Majesty was already in his pocket."
"What does he think of the Queen? A trophy? A city waiting for him to capture?"
"How arrogant and stupid."
"But----"
Next to him, Black Dragon pondered for a moment and said slowly, "The situation is different now. Our queen is devoted to Red Emperor. If Halduen knew about it, she would definitely not be able to bear it."
Hearing this, Green Dragon grinned.
"Whatever, what can he do? Attack us Greenwild Kingdom? If he dares to come, we are not vegetarians."
"Furthermore, as long as Her Majesty the Queen speaks, Red Emperor will definitely fight for her. You have seen Red Emperor's size and Dragon Might. Halduen may not be able to take advantage in front of him."
Hearing these words, Amelia suddenly turned his head and stared at Green Dragon, his eyes like knives.
"Listen up."
"The matter between Her Majesty the Queen and Red Emperor is your Majesty's own choice. Who your Majesty chooses to be with or not to be with is all your Majesty's own will."
"But there's one thing you need to figure out."
Amelia's eyes swept over every giant dragon present.
"Her Majesty the Queen is not the kind of female who hides behind her partner in the face of danger. She is not a dependent. She is a dragon slain from troubled times. She is a queen who builds a kingdom with her own claws and teeth."
"Our queen doesn't need anyone to protect her, let alone solve her troubles."
"So----"
Amelia's voice deepened. "If one day, Halduen comes to cause trouble, Her Majesty the Queen will never beg Red Emperor on this matter. She will handle it herself, not because there is any problem between her and Red Emperor, but because----she is our king."
"Greenwild Throne is not given to her by anyone, she will solve her own problems in her own way.
"Amelia Your Highness is right."
Blue Dragon was the first to speak and said, "Your Majesty does not need anyone to stand in front of her. If Halduen dares to come, Your Majesty himself can let him know what the wrath of a dragon is."
Amelia nodded slowly, his expression softening a little.
"Halduen's matter will have to be resolved sooner or later, but not now."
Her tone calmed down and she said, "She will make her own decision after His Majesty comes out."
"Before that, don't spread the news about Red Emperor everywhere. Halduen may have an informant in the Greenwild Kingdom. He has been operating in Orotara for so many years. It is impossible that he does not have his own intelligence network. If he knows about it in advance, there will be many complications."
"Your Majesty needs to deal with this matter at a time and place of his own choosing, rather than being forced to respond hastily."
"Understood."
The dragons responded at the same time.
"Then let's break up."
Amelia spread his wings, and the broad wing membranes glowed with a faint green light in the sun, "Just do what you have to do, don't get together all day long to gossip and discuss His Majesty's private life. If His Majesty knows, none of you can run away."
After she finished speaking, she flapped her wings, rose into the air, and quickly disappeared among the upper branches and leaves of Dream Oak.
Didn't you discuss His Majesty's private life with great interest just now?
The giant dragons cursed in their hearts, but no one said anything, and they dispersed in twos and threes.
Dream Oak Crown restored the peace of the past.
The spring breeze blew the branches and leaves, and the sun cast mottled light and shadow on the dragon's scales. The huge queen's lair was covered by countless magical vines. No matter what happened inside, there seemed to be no waves outside.